Top Canadian Universities Offering Affordable or Fully Funded Master's Scholarships (2026)
Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for international master's students due to its generous scholarships, research funding, and tuition support programs. In 2026, several universities and provincial programs offer highly accessible and valuable funding opportunities.
Quick Insight: The best funding options combine tuition reduction, research stipends, and entrance scholarships. Applying early and choosing research-focused programs significantly improves your chances of full or partial funding.
1. University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship
Offers one of the most accessible fully funded master's packages in Canada, valued at approximately CAD 16,000/year, plus additional supervisor funding opportunities.
2. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)
Highly accessible provincial scholarship valued at CAD 15,000/year, available across top Ontario universities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Western.
3. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
Provides CAD 14,000/year for master’s students, with high acceptance rates for international applicants.
4. University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence
Provides CAD 2,500 per term for up to 5 terms, widely available across research-based master's programs.
5. University of Calgary Graduate Awards
Offers comprehensive funding packages up to CAD 40,000/year, combining scholarships, assistantships, and research grants.
6. Université de Montréal Tuition Exemption Scholarship
Reduces international tuition fees significantly, saving students up to CAD 27,300/year.
7. University of British Columbia (UBC) Graduate Support Initiative
Provides strong funding through research assistantships, entrance scholarships, and merit-based financial aid.
8. University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarships
Offers entrance funding between CAD 10,000 and CAD 20,000/year for high-performing international students.
9. McGill University Graduate Funding Programs
Provides research assistantships, entrance awards, and merit scholarships for international master's students.
10. York University Graduate Scholarships
Offers multiple funding options including entrance scholarships and research assistantships for master's students.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers excellent funding opportunities for international master's students. Universities like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Waterloo, and Calgary provide some of the most accessible and valuable funding packages in 2026. Choosing research-based programs and applying early significantly improves your chances of receiving full or partial funding.
Reminder: Apply early, maintain strong academic grades, and contact potential supervisors to increase your chances of receiving fully funded offers.